aerosol

noun

aero·​sol ˈer-ə-ˌsäl  -ˌsȯl 

1

: a suspension of fine solid or liquid particles in gas

Smoke, fog, and mist are aerosols.

airborne aerosol transmission of infective viral particles

also, aerosols plural : the fine particles of an aerosol

stratospheric aerosols

2

: a substance (such as an insecticide or medicine) dispensed from a pressurized container as an aerosol

also : the container for this

Examples of aerosol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The aerosol spray in one batch (model number 220B, lot code 106824) has been found to cause minor skin irritation. —Adam Iscoe, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024

There are plenty of formulas specifically suited for a variety of hair types, ranging from aerosols to powder dry shampoos to those specifically formulated for fine hair. —Emily Rekstis, Glamour, 15 Oct. 2024

These include things like aerosols and pressurized containers, along with paint, alcohol, gas, and some cleaning supplies. —Rabekah Henderson, Southern Living, 20 Dec. 2024

For example, due to recent shipping regulations, the world has seen a decrease in the use of aerosols, which reflect sunlight and sustain cloud formation. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

aero- + -sol (in hydrosol)

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

aerosol

noun

aero·​sol ˈar-ə-ˌsäl  ˈer- 

-ˌsȯl

: a mixture of fine solid or liquid particles and gas

smoke and fog are aerosols

Medical Definition

aerosol

noun

aero·​sol ˈar-ə-ˌsäl  ˈer- 

-ˌsȯl

1

: a suspension of fine solid or liquid particles in gas

smoke, fog, and mist are aerosols

2

: a substance (as an insecticide or medicine) dispensed from a pressurized container as an aerosol

also : the container for this